Erin Brockovich, the fierce environmental activist renowned for her pivotal role in the 1993 lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), is back in the spotlight—this time, taking on the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence datacentres. With an astonishing response of over 3,800 concerned citizens reaching out to her about these colossal structures, Brockovich is sounding the alarm on the environmental repercussions of this growing tech industry, claiming that the situation resembles her infamous fight against water contamination in Hinkley, California, but on an even larger scale.
A Call to Action
Receiving a flood of emails from residents near proposed datacentres, Brockovich realised the urgency for action. In April, she posted a request on her website for anyone worried about nearby datacentres to get in touch, and the response was overwhelming. As she reviewed the concerns, she found a common theme: residents were baffled by the sudden appearance of these massive structures, often built without sufficient public consultation or awareness.
Brockovich likened the situation to a new version of Hinkley, dubbing it “Hinkley on steroids.” The sheer size of the datacentres, some sprawling over hundreds of acres, raises serious questions about their environmental impact. In May, Utah approved a datacentre project that is set to be twice the size of Manhattan, igniting fears about resource depletion and ecological disruption among local communities.
Community Concerns
The emails pouring into Brockovich’s inbox paint a stark picture. Many residents are left in the dark about the construction of these datacentres, learning only after significant decisions have been made. Concerns range from the depletion of local water supplies—some datacentres require up to five million gallons of water per day for cooling—to the potential harm to wildlife and local ecosystems. Brockovich has compiled a comprehensive map detailing the locations of existing and proposed AI datacentres alongside the concerns raised by community members.
This map reveals a troubling trend: as of June 24, there are 33 operational AI datacentres, 68 under construction, and 41 proposed across the United States, with many situated in drought-stricken areas. The implications for local communities are staggering, as many are already experiencing spikes in utility bills and worrying about the long-term health consequences associated with these facilities.
The Fight for Transparency
Brockovich’s investigation has also uncovered a troubling lack of transparency in how these datacentres are approved. Many developers enter into nondisclosure agreements with local authorities, bypassing essential environmental assessments and community input. This has led to a situation where local governments are scrambling to respond to public outcry, often facing lawsuits from developers when they attempt to halt construction. Brockovich cites a case in Texas where county commissioners were blindsided by opposition and subsequently sued for attempting to impose a moratorium on datacentre developments.
Despite the challenges, Brockovich remains undeterred. She believes that grassroots activism can drive real change, advocating for a case-by-case moratorium on new datacentre approvals until proper environmental impact assessments are conducted. By engaging with local governments and rallying community support, she aims to ensure that the voices of residents are heard in these critical discussions.
Global Implications
Brockovich’s concerns extend beyond the United States. She has received inquiries from individuals in countries like Australia, India, Scotland, and Ireland, all grappling with the implications of datacentres on their local environments. In Dublin, for instance, a moratorium on new datacentres was enacted due to their overwhelming energy consumption, which accounted for 20% of the country’s electricity usage by 2023.
As Brockovich outlines the global nature of this issue, she acknowledges the scale of the forces she is up against. With tech giants wielding immense financial and political power, she emphasises the need for collective action. “We have to have some courage to show up,” she states, highlighting the necessity for communities to stand together to advocate for their rights and the environment.
Why it Matters
Brockovich’s renewed activism against AI datacentres shines a spotlight on the urgent need for environmental accountability amid technological advancement. As these massive facilities continue to proliferate, the potential consequences for local ecosystems, water supplies, and community health must not be overlooked. Her fight serves as a rallying cry for citizens worldwide to engage in the dialogue about responsible development and the sustainability of our planet. She may be in her “legacy phase,” but with her tenacity, Brockovich is determined to leave a lasting impact on the fight for environmental justice. The outcome of this battle could shape the future of both technology and our natural resources for generations to come.